Late summer · Weather & things to do
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 9.9 in (252 mm) falling in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk, alongside highs near 87°F (31°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C).
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 9.9 in (252 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~13 h
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What August feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 87°F (31°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 78°F (25°C).
With 81% average humidity, it feels muggy.
It's a very wet month, with around 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain, so keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (43 → 41/100).
- Our Tampa New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes87°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics81% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes9.9 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August
With 9.9 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Columbia Restaurant
Florida's oldest restaurant, opened in Ybor City in 1905, with tiled dining rooms, the 1905 salad and flamenco shows.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 9.9 in of rain.
Armature Works
Food hall and event space in a restored 1910 streetcar barn on the river in Tampa Heights.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Tampa Riverwalk
2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River through downtown, the free viewing area for the midnight fireworks over the water.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 87°F.
Jackson's Bistro
Waterfront restaurant on Harbour Island with a big deck facing downtown, host of a ticketed New Year's Eve party.
Why now Best first thing, before the 87°F afternoon heat.
Nearby in August
- Downtown St. Petersburg in August~16 mi · highs 87°F, 9.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Walt Disney World in August~63 mi · highs 88°F, 7.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Winter Park in August~81 mi · highs 88°F, 7.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- St. Augustine in August~151 mi · highs 86°F, 7.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are November – April. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 78°F (25°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August?
Yes: about 9.9 in (252 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 56.7 in (1441 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (87°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (81% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (9.9 in of rain on average).
More on Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk
Planning Downtown Tampa & the Riverwalk in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.